Bernice Julia Birkley

October 26, 1925 – June 22, 2024

Bernice Julia Birkley, age 98, passed away on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at Inspirations Assisted Living facility in Tempe, Arizona.

Bernice was born on October 26, 1925 as Bernice Julia Hansen. She was born in the town of Elmwood Park, Illinois which is on the boundary line of Chicago. Her parents were Ole and Julia Hansen, both of Norwegian descent. Her father, along with his brother, immigrated to the U.S. from Norway in the late 1800’s and settled in Chicago. Her mother’s parents also both immigrated from Norway and settled in Wisconsin.

Bernice had one brother, Herman, who was the oldest. She had three sisters, Josephine, Mary and May. Bernice was born at home during a bad snow storm and her dad had to walk several miles to ‘fetch’ the doctor.

The Great Depression of the 1930’s and health issues were challenges for Bernice and her family during her childhood years. Her family became involved with Grace Lutheran Church in Chicago. Bernice eventually became a Sunday School teacher and also was the church secretary.

Bernice attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago and graduated in 1944. Hugh Hefner was in her class and signed her year book. (like – so what!)

After high school Bernice worked in a hosiery manufacturing plant, then got a job with the YCMA Motion Picture Bureau as a typist and booker of films.

In 1946 she met Adrian during a social function at Grace Lutheran Church. Adrian had been in the Navy during WWII 1941 – 1945. Adrian was also of Norwegian descent as both his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Norway in the late 1800’s. He also had a Lutheran church back-ground and had a closeknit family of two brothers and three sisters. Bernice had dated other guys prior to meeting Adrian – but alas – she found him to be the perfect match! They were married in September of 1947.

Bernice and Adrian aka Bee & Adie spent the first 19 years of their marriage in the Chicago area. In 1966 they moved to Arizona with their two daughters, Bonnie and Marilyn, to get away from the bitter cold winters of the Midwest.

“To travel through all forty-eight states and gather souvenirs from them all is Bee’s ambition; simply cannot resist chocolate ice cream…dancing, movies and music rate high with her.” This is what Bernice wrote in her high school year book in 1944. Her statement became a reality as over the 50 plus years of Bee & Adie’s marriage they did travel through all the lower 48 states. They made gallons and gallons of home-made ice cream for the many gatherings over the years with their ‘big fat Norwegian family.’ Their homes were filled with music as they always had a piano in the house, along with accordion, guitar, ukuleles and harmonicas. These instruments were not just sitting around the house collecting dust. They were all played extensively.

In 2001 Adrian passed away. Bernice continued to live in their home in Mesa, Arizona at ‘The Wells’ which is a retirement community. She became active with the women’s group at The Wells which involved outings and playing bingo and cards. She stayed close with her daughters, grandchildren, and extended family until her passing.

Bernice leaves behind her daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Rod, her grandchildren Jeffrey, Chris and Laura, her great grandchildren Taylor, Jackson and Henley and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice will be interred at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery along with a memorial in late October 2024.